Vistamix (Vmx) - Studer Vista 1 Operating Instructions Manual

3.4.5

Vistamix (VmX)

Working Principle
The VMX Bus
Document generated: 18.04.17
Basics Studer VistaMix is an automatic mix algorithm based on gain sharing, intro-
duced with SW V4.9. VistaMix processing comes in very handy in multi-
microphone situations, such as round-table discussions or unscripted games
shows, in which indirect voice and early reflection-spill negatively affects
the summed mix. It reacts faster and much more precisely than any human
operator could possibly be, thus avoiding late fade-ins.
The concept of VistaMix is to analyse the input channels assigned to the
VistaMix group, and only open the gain of those channels that have active
speakers talking. By reducing the gain of non-active talkers, spill, studio
noise and ambience is greatly reduced. VistaMix calculates the gain of the
contributing channels in such a way that the cumulative gain of all member
channels always equals the gain value of one open microphone. This avoids
modulation of the ambience and background noise. Please note that this
system does not use gates or expanders.
The four situations in the example image below, with 3 speakers each, show
the reaction of VistaMix (Gain) according to the actual individual input levels
(dB SPL).
VistaMix functionality is integrated into a new 'VMX' mix bus type, to which
any mono channel can be routed. The VMX bus colour representation on the
Vistonics screens is cyan. Please note that stereo and surround channels may
not be routed to VistaMix busses.
There are two Bus types – mono and stereo output. Each type may be con-
figured with 8, 12, 16 or 20 maximum contributing mono channels. Unlike
conventional bus types, the VMX bus types can only be configured by adding
a VMX channel. The configuration tool will then automatically construct the
channel/processing/bus structure.
SW V5.3
Vista 1 Digital Mixing System
Parameters 3-51